Mozilla`s owner has issued a warning that potential actions by US authorities as part of an antitrust investigation into Google could spell the end for the Firefox browser.
A key demand from regulators is reportedly to prevent Google from compensating third-party software developers for making Google Search the default option. This demand directly impacts Mozilla, as Firefox is responsible for 90% of the company`s revenue. Crucially, 85% of the revenue generated by Firefox comes directly from the payments Google makes to be the default search engine in the browser. Losing this substantial funding would necessitate significant workforce reductions at Mozilla and a decrease in investment for Firefox`s development, potentially making the browser less appealing and competitive for users.
US antitrust regulators began their investigation into Google several months ago. Their proposals are said to include requiring Google to potentially sell its Chrome browser, reduce the integration of its services within the Android operating system, and comply with other conditions. Google, however, has maintained that a potential divestiture of Chrome would harm the browser, asserting that only they possess the resources and capability necessary for its continued functionality and development.
Finley Holt